📝 Guide to election guides

Is Illinois Budget Trouble Next?

The state could face a $3 billion budget shortfall for the next fiscal year, according to a forecast Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget office released last week. Pritzker, who has had budget surpluses on his watch, has not yet said how he’ll propose to close the gap. [WBEZ]

• Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed a $300 million property tax hike to fill an almost $1 billion budget gap. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Chicago Drivers Beware

Don’t park your car in certain bike and bus lanes downtown: You could get a ticket if a city camera catches you thanks to a pilot program that began this week. [WTTW]

Rogers Park Squirrels Are Dying 😢

Far North Siders have been reporting dead squirrels and other animals on walks and at parks for months. Following an investigation, 49th Ward Ald. Maria Hadden attributed the deaths to “errant rat poisoning” and said it seemed like an individual was behind it. [Block Club]

RIP Quincy Jones

South Side native Quincy Jones died Sunday. The 91-year-old’s legendary career included producing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” working with Frank Sinatra, and composing many film and television scores. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]